We recently launched a new program with our 'Recycling Wizard' Leah at the CVRD. You send us the tough questions and she'll provide the answers, straight from the source. Because we're of the belief that if one person has a question, odds are good others do too, we will be sharing these conversations in our blog as well as on our social media channels.
Have a question? Feel free to email it to plentifill@gmail.com, or pop by and fill out a form.
Question #3:
Recycling glass jars - why do they go to the landfill?
Response from Leah:
Glass packaging (such as jars and non-refundable bottles) is not accepted in curbside recycling programs as it needs to be kept separate from other recyclables. If it is mixed in with curbside recycling, it breaks into unrecoverable pieces when tipped into collection vehicles. These broken pieces mix with other recyclables which can create potential health and safety issues at the sorting facility. Bringing your glass packaging materials to Recycling Centres has resulted in 95%+ material recovery rate according to Recycle BC’s 2021 Annual Report.